U.C. Berkeley sociology professor Harry Edwards discusses social, political and economic issues in social studies teacher David Rapaport’s classroom.
– Aaron Zelinger
Students and teachers filled a Palo Alto High School social studies classroom today to listen to a noted sports sociologist speak about a host of social and racial issues facing American society, including controversy surrounding comments made about Jeremy Lin.
Harry Edwards, a professor emeritus of sociology at the University of California, Berkeley, spoke in social studies teacher David Rapaport’s classroom during Tutorial. Edwards is commonly associated with influencing the black power salute at the 1968 Olympic Games.
When asked about recent comments made by ESPN content editor Anthony Federico that referred to Paly graduate and basketball sensation Jeremy Lin as a “chink in the armor,” Edwards responded strongly.
“[It is] degenerate for those kinds of comments to be made about this kid,” Edwards said. “I hope that he has a stellar year.”
In light of seemingly racially charged remarks from some prominent African-Americans, such as the tweet from boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. which many believe alluded to a stereotype against Asians, some in the news media have suggested that a “double standard” exists between how people are allowed to characterize African-Americans and Asians. Edwards echoed this concern.
“Blacks got off lighter speaking about Lin,” Edwards said. He also condemned such comments, stating there exists “no double standard in terms of stupidity.”
Despite the racial commentary surrounding his ascendance, the importance of Lin’s contribution to society is understated, according to Edwards.
“[Lin is] broadening the basis of democratic participation in American society,” Edwards said. “[It is a] great story; we should embrace it. This is what America should be.”
Edwards provided a personal anecdote to relay the importance of Jeremy Lin: An Asian-American kid in Edwards’ neighborhood used to shoot baskets into a slanted hoop every day in front of his house. After Lin and the Knicks beat the Los Angeles Lakers, Edwards drove by the kid’s house on the way home, and saw that — not only was the kid shooting baskets — he had amassed a group of other Asian-American kids, including two girls as well. Edwards, recognizing the change and its significance, rolled down his window, lifted his arm into a fist and yelled, “Jeremy Lin!”
The kids went crazy.